The Republic in the Time of John III Sobieski

The exhibition features exhibits from a number of museums: the Historical Museum in Lviv, Wawel Royal Castle, the National Museum in Warsaw and Krakow, the Wilanów Museum or the Polish Army Museum, as well as church institutions, libraries and private collections.

The exhibition is divided into three parts: ‘ In the circle of the family’, “ Battlefields” “Glorification of the King”, in which paintings, graphics, military, textiles, prints and medals are presented. In total, more than 140 items. Many of the exhibits are very rarely presented specimens, dating from the era of King John, as well as from later times, when the cult towards the person of the King expanded.

Each has its own unique history. They include, among others, 17th century paintings and prints, the King’s personal canteen, the autograph and seal of the King, Hussar and armoured armour, beautifully decorated oriental firearms and cold weapons (sabres, carbines, halberds, rifles, pistols), exquisite saddles (allegedly belonging to Kara Mustafa and Hetman Jabłonowski), a Turkish tent, or an original cannonball (chain!) from the battlefield of Vienna.

It was John III Sobieski who granted the location privilege to Rozwadów (today a district of Stalowa Wola), and also brought the Capuchin Order to Poland, becoming their special benefactor – hence the pretext for preparing this exhibition.

An extensive catalogue has also been published, containing dozens of photographs and descriptions of the exhibits, as well as essays on the ruler’s achievements, his relationship with Rozwadów and his subsequent glorification.

The exhibition ‘The Republic in the Times of Jan III Sobieski’ was organised by the Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola in cooperation with the Lviv Historical Museum within the framework of the Polish-Ukrainian project, co-financed by the European Union. The project is entitled ‘The future grows out of common roots. Cultural heritage as a factor of integration of societies and development of regions’.